Australian Government Touts Vegan Alternatives

The National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia recognizes the healthy aspects of a plant-based, whole-foods diet.

The Australian government body, the National Health and Medical Research Council, gave its nod of approval to meat-free eating in the latest version of its nutritional resource Australian Dietary Guidelines. The NH&MRC notes that plant-based products such as nuts, seeds, legumes, beans, and tofu are suitable alternatives to animal derivatives and that they provide consumers with ample protein that they would otherwise get from animal products. The guide also recommends that vegans take B12 supplements and suggests seeing an accredited practicing dietician for optimal health. “This has been a long process and I am very happy that the National Health and Medical Research Council has looked at all the evidence and at last presented Australians with the real option of choosing a vegan diet,” said Greg McFarlane, the chair of Vegan Australia.